Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal disease of cattle that is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) and its glycerine-tolerant variant Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biovars intermedius. It results in poor reproductive performance, abortion and early embryonic death in cattle herds. Abortions can occur at any time but are most commonly detected at 4 to 6 months of gestation.

In heifers and cows the bacteria spread to the uterus and oviducts resulting in endometritis and salpingitis. The disease is generally self-limiting in females. Most cows will recover and conceive within 3 to 6 months post-infection and immunity persists for several years, however some may remain infected for considerably longer.

Transmission
Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) is transmitted orally and colonises the intestines of cattle and sheep, inducing enteritis and abortion mostly in sheep and sporadically in cattle. Cff is found in the genital tract of cattle (e.g. preputial smegma, vaginal mucus) or internal organs of the aborted fetuses.